A Tyrone beauty blogger – who last year experienced one of the hardest Christmases of her life – is hoping to help over 1,000 teenagers this Christmas by giving them gifts they might not otherwise receive.
Mum-of-three, Roisin Doherty from the Coalisland area has pledged that for every £5 received in donations she will triple it to give gifts to both young boys and girls this year.
The warm-hearted idea was born from a innocent conversation between her and her daughter while merrily putting up this year’s seasonal decorations.
This time last year the family were experiencing a much less relaxed run up to Christmas with Roisin in the midst of an astounding legal battle that ensued after two individuals allegedly claimed they had a right to her child under a “gentleman’s agreement”.
Reflecting on the ordeal, Roisin said: “I tried to make it magical for my kids, but behind the smiles and decorations was a Christmas full of fear, stress, and heartbreak.
“The kind of Christmas you never forget. The kind that leaves a mark.
“Many of you watched that chapter unfold… but this isn’t about me. This is about turning our pain into purpose, and our sadness into kindness for children who might be hurting too.”
Just days ago, as they were preparing for a happier festive period, Roisin’s daughter harkened back to that terrible time, saying: “Mummy… do you remember last Christmas? Could we help kids who might be sad this Christmas feel happier?”
And “that was it”, she says. “The spark that came from a child who felt last year deeper than she should have, and still chose kindness.”
Roisin has since used stock from her own business – Roco Cosmetics – to create “teen bundles” and says that for every £5 donated she has been “tripling it” because, as she says, “teenagers are the ones who get forgotten the most, and I couldn’t let that happen.”
As her brand does not include a men’s or boys’ range she had to think of new ways to provide for them too – even just a few.
But then, she says, something “unbelievable” happened.
Thanks to overwhelming community support they have now helped to ensure over 900 teenagers will receive gifts but she adds that the “need is still huge” and her stock is continuing to run low.
To keep going, Roisin will continue to use up the last of her stock, she will be buying items directly from brands at cost price (and she’s asking that any brands who wish to collaborate on the effort reach out to her directly), she’s asking brands to double or triple the value and in turn she will do all she can to help push their business online and they are donating everything through Cash for Kids – Mission Christmas.
Said Roisin: “For some of these kids, the gift we put in their hands will be the only gift they open this Christmas. The only moment they feel chosen. The only moment they feel seen.”
Every donation – even if only £1 – will be gratefully received and Roisin adds that it all helps her to “honour” her daughter’s wish this Christmas by turning “last year’s pain into this year’s kindness”.
Donations can be made to Roisin’s GoFundMe page here.
